WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE ESC OF THE WESTERN RESERVE ANNOUNCE A JOINT PARTNERSHIP WITH BRIDGED TO INFUSE COPORATE ENGAGEMENT INTO THE DISTRICT
GEAUGA COUNTY, OH – July 20, 2023 – West Geauga Schools and the ESC of the Western Reserve (ESCWR) today announced a partnership with BridgED to bridge the gap between K-12 education and the business community. BridgED is a consulting company built by corporate engagement professionals in academia striving to solve the fundamental challenges of helping companies and districts work together. Through this exciting partnership, the district will create opportunities for students to receive career path exposure, workforce development, workplace learning, and so much more.
“The opportunities afforded West Geauga students through the BridgED partnership will increase the channels through which our students can apply their academic skills to real-world challenges,” said Dr. Rich Markwardt, Superintendent of West Geauga Schools. “The partnership provides West Geauga with myriad opportunities to bridge the gap between learning that occurs in our classrooms and learning that is a natural result of immersion in the business world.”
BridgED will connect the district with select northeastern Ohio businesses who have an interest in supporting education and a desire to fulfill workplace needs. The companies will represent a diverse range of industries to ensure students, teachers and parents know what’s available in the marketplace and how to best prepare for future opportunities. The program will include teacher externships, work-based learning, parent communication, career days, classroom engagement, capstone programs and more.
“We understand the impact that results from creating synergies between the business community and school districts. Our goal is to partner with companies who can illustrate career opportunities that await students during, after, or in lieu of college,” said Chris Svec, Co-Founder of BridgED. “We are excited to work together with both West Geauga and the ESCWR to build a corporate engagement program that is sustainable and delivers on objectives.”
The ESCWR will play an essential role in the partnership. “The ESCWR is committed to providing innovative programming and quality services to support and promote student achievement in all aspects of our educational communities within the region and state. We are appreciative of the support from the Ohio Department of Education and our Extended Learning grant dollars that have provided us this opportunity to support West Geauga Local Schools in this partnership with BridgED,” said Jennifer Felker, Superintendent of the ESCWR.
This partnership will commence in August 2023.
###
About West Geauga Schools
West Geauga Local Schools is a top performing public school district in Ohio based on the state report card. Our mission is to help students reach their academic and career potential and pursue high ethical standards. To achieve this, we blend traditional practices with proven education innovations, including technology, in an effort to achieve and maintain a standard of excellence. West Geauga is located in Geauga County and educates over 2,000 students grades K-12 residing primarily in the Chesterland, Russell and Newbury communities.
About the ESCWR
The Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR) plays a crucial role in enhancing education through northeast Ohio. With a steadfast commitment to our county, region, and state, we strive to serve the students and staff of local exempted village, city school districts, joint vocational schools and nonpublic schools. ESCWR understands the significance of adaptability, innovation, and dynamic leadership. Driven by a vision of excellence, the ESC of the Western Reserve continuously seeks to deliver innovative programming and high-quality services that support and promote student achievement across all educational communities in our region and state. Our aspiration is for the ESC of the Western Reserve to be acknowledged as a premier educational service center, renowned for delivering personalized services that inspire and empower student growth while fostering staff development in educational communities throughout Ohio.
About BridgED
BridgED is a consulting company developed to “bridge the gap” between K-12 and the business community. BridgED has a proven playbook and process for K-12 districts to implement when forging relationships with industry to enhance student, parent and teacher experiences. They accelerate the corporate engagement efforts, develop the workforce, increase work-based learning opportunities, boost philanthropic giving (scholarships and sponsorships), and help students define their path forward.
Comments